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Republicans release bills to combat voter fraud

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Contributed by: Colorado House on 2/7/2008

Three Statehouse Republicans will each present bills to strengthen the integrity of Colorado's voting process. The proposals, which would check a person's picture, citizenship, and signature, were presented to the House State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee Feb. 7, upon recess of the House, in Room 0112 of the State Capitol.

Rep. Ken Summers, R-Lakewood, is sponsoring House Bill 1039, which would require photo identification to vote at the polls. Some examples of valid identification under the proposal include a Colorado driver's license, a passport, or student ID with a valid photograph of the elector.

"Currently, a copy of a utility bill, a cable bill or a telephone bill is sufficient to prove a person's identity at the polls," Summers said. "This standard isn't acceptable for an employer, for a bank, or for a liquor store. It shouldn't be acceptable for our voting system."

Rep. Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, will follow with House Bill 1177, requiring proof of U.S. citizenship to vote at the polls. Under his proposal, voters would need documents such as a birth certificate, a passport, or naturalization document to register to vote.

McNulty says lawmakers have a responsibility under oath to protect the sanctity of a citizen's right to vote.

"People fought and died for our rights as U.S. Citizens to be able to vote," McNulty said. "The least we can do is make sure we enforce that right for U.S. citizens in our elections."

Rep. Don Marostica, R-Loveland, will present House Bill 1128, allowing clerks to use a computer system to verify a voter's signature on a mail ballot. The match would be made using a statewide voter registration database rather than a signature on file with the local clerk and recorder.

"It takes human error away from voter verification and saves money," Marostica said. "No false signatures slip through the cracks and we reduce paid man-hours checking the signatures."

Summary of bills

HB 1039 Summers: Voter Photo Identification in Elections

Requires photo identification to vote
Acceptable forms of identification include:
• Colorado Driver's License or ID
• Passport
• Student ID with valid photograph of elector

HB 1177 McNulty: Identification Document Voting Citizenship

Requires proof of U.S. citizenship to vote
Acceptable documents include:
• Birth Certificate
• Passport
• Original Naturalization Document or copy

HB 1128 Marostica: Signature Verification Technology in Elections

Allows counties to purchase computerized signature verification system for less than $1200
• Saves Colorado money: Clerks estimate Colorado spends $500,000 man-hours each year checking signatures by hand
• Takes away human error: System links to State Signature Verification System, analyzing minute pieces of each letter and reducing chance of voter fraud
• Any disputes would be settled by election judge, as under current law

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